The Symbolism of Charms (Part 2)


A few weeks ago, I mentioned a how much I enjoy working with charms for my handmade jewelry line, Peggy Li Creations. There are so many unique jewelry charms to discover, and the symbols they represent are often filled with interesting meanings that different cultures throughout the ages have given to them.

A charm necklace can reflect different moods, goals or ambitions. What’s more fun than deciding which pendant to wear in the morning, or picking out the perfect (and symbolic!) gift to wish a friend or loved one well?

The stories behind different symbols have evolved in different cultures around the world for a long time. The following are some of the better-known meanings behind them.

Feather pendant necklace
Feather Charm Necklace by Peggy Li Creations -- seen on The Vampire Diaries!
Feather – the feather has been an important good luck symbol in many cultures for ages. They can suggest ideas of flying or travel. Feathers were used by ancient Egyptians, Celts and Native Americans to invoke the sky gods or celestial wisdom, and often symbolized communication with spirits. In Christianity, they have represented the virtues of faith, hope and charity.

Apple – The apple is a symbol of everything from temptation to youthfulness, thanks to the many ancient myths and stories in which apples and apple trees are featured. In more contemporary times, the apple can symbolize knowledge (it is of course frequently associated with teachers), beauty, sustenance, youth and rebirth.

Owl – In ancient times, the owl was associated with the goddess Athena, who represented wisdom and learning.

Bee – We’ve all heard the saying “busy bee,” so it’s no surprise the bee can symbolize community, hard work and diligence.

Silver unique necklace with eternity knot pendant
Eternity Knot Necklace by Peggy Li Creations.

Eternity knot – this simple but powerful charm symbolizes love and faithfulness. It has no end and no beginning; therefore, it represents eternal love or friendship.

Horseshoe – The horseshoe symbolizes good luck, fortune and protection. Horseshoes are sometimes nailed to a wall to protect a home.

Leaf – A leaf can mean many different things depending on the tree it is from. Leaves, trees and forests symbolize refuge and protection, and wood is considered a primal element of the universe. A leaf could also be a reference to the tree of life, which symbolizes life, health, strength and rebirth.

Dove – We all know that the dove is a classic symbol of peace and hope. They can also symbolize love – you probably have at one time witnessed a happy couple release a pair of doves at their wedding – and motherhood.

Gold dove pendant necklace
Dove Charm Necklace by Peggy Li Creations.
It’s fun trying to decide which symbol best represents you! Or, maybe you’re like me: my favorite charms seem to change on almost a daily basis!

xoxo
Peggy

Symbols and Meanings of Jewelry Charms


I love working with charms, big and small, all shapes and varieties here at Peggy Li Creations handmade jewelry. But have you ever wondered about the meanings behind that upside-down hand or eye symbol?

I recently looked into some of the more well-known symbolic meanings behind a few of my favorite charm necklaces. If you are curious like I was, I thought I’d share them here.

The stories behind a lot of popular symbols are fascinating, and many have multiple meanings since they have been interpreted - and re-interpreted - by different cultures around the world for ages. There isn't enough space here to share everything about these unique shapes, but hopefully you will enjoy learning a little more about them!

Gold OM charm necklace with gemstones
Gemstone Om Necklace available at peggyli.com.
OM - Om is the symbol for the sacred Hindu sound of "ohm", a mantra that people often associate with yoga and meditation.

Tree of Life - The tree connects heaven to earth, therefore symbolizes the connectedness of all life. It is often used as a symbol for family and harmony, and can symbolize wisdom and healing.

Evil Eye - We all have probably heard of some form of the evil eye. Perhaps you've given someone the "stink eye" for cutting in line. In ancient times, having a symbol of the evil eye, often paired with the Hamsa Hand, was considered a symbolic way to bend the evil gaze back to the gazer. The evil eye charm was painted on boats or traditionally created out of blue, white and black trinkets.

Hamsa Hand - also known as the Hand of Fatima, the hamsa is a popular amulet in the Middle East and North Africa. The upside down hand, often with an evil eye in the palm, is a symbol of protection used to ward off the evil eye.

Necklace with evil eye charm and hamsa hand charm
Evil Eye and Hamsa Necklace, available at peggyli.com

Lotus Blossom - In Buddhism, the lotus flower symbolizes faithfulness and good fortune. This flower grows from muddy waters only to create a beautiful blossom, so the Lotus flower is also a symbol of rebirth.

Dragonfly - Dragonflies are a symbol of the power of change. Dragonflies live a short life, so they are a reminder to live life to the fullest.

Italian Horn - Also called a cornuto, corno, or cornicello, this symbol is of Italian origin. "Corno" means horn. The Italian horn is a symbol of good luck, a charm to ward off the evil eye, and good fortune in love.

Acorn - This fruit of the oak tree is a symbol for strength and power. From such a small seed, strong oak trees grow!

Fleur de Lys - originated with the symbols associated with French royalty, the fleur de lys is a stylized lily flower. The lily represents purity. The three petals have also been associated with the holy Trinity.

Elephant – Unsurprisingly, these noble animals represent strength, honor and patience. They are usually thought of as very lucky charms!

Italian horn charm necklace in gold
Italian Horn Necklace (in 14k gold and 14k gold-filled) available at peggyli.com. This necklace was seen on TV's Private Practice!
Which symbol is your favorite?  Stay tuned for Part II of this post and even more charms and their meanings.

xoxo,

Peggy